Liquefactor and method for liquefying a gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquefaction systems for cryogenic gases, such as nitrogen and natural gas, have a large footprint and require complex on-site installation processes, including the use of cranes, which complicates the integration of late-arriving equipment like turbines and increases operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, elongate parallelepiped-shaped framework with integrated plate-and-fin heat exchangers, a turbine, and a cooler, where the heat exchanger serves as a support for the framework, allowing for reduced footprint and enabling late installation of equipment without the need for cranes, utilizing vertical positioning to create hydrostatic pressure for gas transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional liquefaction system is used, then the system can effectively liquefy cryogenic gases, but the system occupies a large footprint and requires complex on-site installation including cranes
Solution Approach 1:
The liquefaction system is divided into modular components (heat exchanger, turbine, compressor, cooler) that can be independently manufactured and assembled in the workshop, then transported and installed on-site as a complete module, eliminating the need for complex on-site construction and crane operations
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine, compressor, and cooler are positioned inside the framework that also contains the heat exchanger, creating a nested arrangement where components are integrated within a compact vertical structure, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining all necessary functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the turbine is delivered late, then equipment availability is improved, but installation becomes more complex requiring cranes and overhead equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is prepared in advance with pre-installed support structures, mounting points, and connection interfaces specifically designed to accommodate the turbine, allowing the turbine to be easily installed later without requiring complex crane operations or overhead equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The framework acts as an intermediary structure that simplifies turbine installation by providing a pre-configured mounting platform and support system, eliminating the need for complex external lifting equipment and making late turbine delivery compatible with simple installation procedures
3Stress or pressure
If the heat exchanger is positioned at height of at least 4 m, then hydrostatic pressure is created for gas transport, but the framework height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework utilizes vertical space by positioning the heat exchanger at height, converting vertical dimension into useful hydrostatic pressure for gas transport, while the modular design allows this vertical arrangement to be compact and efficient
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces the footprint of liquefaction systems, simplifies on-site installation, and leverages hydrostatic pressure to enhance gas transport efficiency, while maintaining operational effectiveness and flexibility in equipment integration.
Implementation Method 1
at least one plate-and-fin heat exchanger, each plate having a length and a width, and the plates being arranged with their length parallel to the axis of the framework
Implementation Method 2
at least one turbine, the turbine being fastened to the support and being arranged to drive a compressor arranged outside the framework, the turbine being connected to the at least one exchanger to send a gas cooled or heated in the at least one heat exchanger to be expanded in the turbine
Implementation Method 3
at least one cooler connected to cool gas compressed in the compressor
Implementation Method 4
the framework being positioned with its main axis vertical, the at least one heat exchanger being positioned above the at least one turbine and the at least one cooler, means for sending a gas to be liquefied to the heat exchanger in the framework and means connected to the heat exchanger to remove a liquefied gas from the framework
Data Source
AI summary
A liquefactor for a gas includes a framework (O) containing at one end at least one plate-and-fin heat exchanger (E), each plate having a length and a width, and the plates being arranged with their length parallel to the length of the framework and at the other end a turbine (M) to provide cold to the at least one heat exchanger, the framework being orientated such that the turbine is positioned beneath the at least one exchanger.